know you, then. Where are you from?”
I roll my eyes. Although if I was the receiver of his mega-watt smile, I would probably be flattered by that obvious line. I realize I am jealous of Megan. Being around her makes me feel like I am still a little girl, dirty and needy. It’s hard to stand next to her.
Then again, that feeling isn’t an uncommon one. It usually doesn’t happen in front of the man I’ve had a crush on for years, though.
Megan crosses her arms. “I’m originally from California, but I’ve been in Port Angeles for a few years.”
He surveys her coolly. “And what do you do for fun around here?”
Her smile dims a bit. “I don’t know. Hang out with my friends, I guess. And my girlfriend is a chef, so… we stay in a lot.”
Megan’s smile tightens, as if she expects him to react poorly to that news. I stop writing and glance up at her, then my gaze slides to Aiden. He looks entirely unruffled by the whole thing.
“Any recommendations on cool bars? I haven’t explored the area much.”
I release a breath that I didn't realize I was holding as Megan looks thoughtful.
“Mmm… you might like Igor’s or the Rusty Nail. Those are really the only bars for straight people our age,” she says. Then she shrugs. “I don’t really go out to bars often. It’s hard to be in this part of Washington and find other gay women to hang out with.”
“I’m finished!” I interrupt loudly, pushing up from the table. Aiden and Megan both look at me a little quizzically.
“Okay…” Megan says.
“Give me that pen,” Aiden beckons.
Picking up the papers and the pen, I make sure to deliver my paperwork to Megan first. Then I head over to hand the pen to Aiden.
He catches my fingers, surprising me. His lips curve. “Thanks.”
I flush ten shades of red. He lets my hand go, taking the pen. “Do you mind if I head to my apartment to do this? I’m thirsty and I don't think that Olive here has got any clean glasses.”
Olive. A childhood nickname. My cheeks must be bright red by now.
Megan lifts her brows. “Sure. If you could just leave your paperwork outside your door when you’re done, I would appreciate it.”
Aiden gives us both a smile. “Sure. Catch you both later.”
He heads out of the apartment, his heavy boots sounding thunderous on the smooth wood floors. As soon as he’s gone, Megan rolls her eyes.
“That was interesting,” she says.
I clear my throat. “I wouldn’t take it personally. Flirting is how Aiden communicates to practically everyone.”
“Apparently not with you.” Her brow furrows. “Do you two know each other?”
I try not to show it, but her words sting. “Yeah. We’ve known each other for years.”
Megan nods. “That makes sense. Which one of you tipped the other one off about there being a job here?”
I blow out a breath. “No, you have it wrong. I heard about this after I placed an ad in my school’s paper. I have no idea how Aiden found out about his job. He’s a bit mysterious.”
She looks toward the door where he disappeared, her brow hunching. “Aiden seems nice. Maybe there’s more going on under the surface that I just can’t see. Either way, I hope it won’t affect his job working here.” She looks at me. “No offense. I know you guys go way back.”
I give her a smile, my lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m sure he will be fine. I’ll keep him in line if need be.”
That feels like a lie the moment it leaves my lips. I’ve never had much sway over Aiden. I spent too much of my time staring at him, lovesick. Megan doesn’t have to know that, though.
She smiles at me. “I’m sure you will. You’ll have a good summer working here, I can feel it.” Straightening her posture, she sighs. “I think I had better go get Aiden’s forms. I have a ton of stuff to do today and only a few hours left in the day to do it. I’ll see you later, Olivia.”
“Bye,” I call to her as she heads out.
Shaking my head, I go into the bedroom and finish putting my clothes away. I know I need to be firmer in my relationship with Aiden. My conversation with Megan only reinforced that idea. I just don’t know how, exactly.
Chapter Six
Olivia
Freshman Year Of High School
I tug at the hem of my ultrashort bright red dress, trying not to